An investigation into the survival strategies of small and medium enterprises amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohangwena region, Namibia
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Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The study revealed that many Ohangwena Region (Namibia) SMEs business
owners devised many ways to remain afloat in our businesses such as
advertising through Facebook, WhatsApp, Tik Tok and others. It was further
noted that they resorted for grouping into smaller groups and asking for one
transporter to carry their stock from Windhoek. As a survival strategy. This
served them transport costs, Covid-19 protocol clearances as well as funds for
accommodation and refreshments to and from Windhoek. It was also
discovered that networking with other competitors, e-marketing, consulting
business gurus, cutting down the staff, introducing short working hours as well
as down-sizing their operations ensured their survival during the pandemic.
However, despite the strategies employed, it was discovered in the data that
some SMEs found it difficult for their businesses to stay afloat. Thus, it impacts
on transactions in the market. Various elements affected included restaurants,
markets, shopping centres, online transportation and SMEs. It was therefore
advised that businesses, particularly such negatively impacted SMEs should
explore the use of network communication platforms such as Facebook and
WhatsApp, if they are to overcome the supply chain disruption challenges
caused by COVID-19
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of business administration
Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic, Namibia, Small and medium enterprises, Survival strategies